206 Artificial Mahogany. 



with a general outline of the plan of each publication, and 

 with an exposition of those parts which are remarkable for 

 originality or importance. Perhaps the journal would be 

 more interesting, if, in some instances, more detailed analy- 

 ses were given. If this may be considered a defect, it is 

 one which arises necessarily from the vast number of new 

 publications : for so numerous are the monthly journals 

 alone, that each can receive but a brief notice in this volu- 

 minous work. 



From a cursory perusal of some of the first numbers, we 

 have observed no appearance of prejudice or partiality. 

 The publications of every country are treated with perfect 

 candour. Besides the general direction of the Baron de 

 Ferussac, there is a double security against the introduction 

 of any abusive or improper remarks, the matter for each 

 section being subject to the revision of its redacteur principal, 

 and every notice bearing the signature of its author. 



The success of this invaluable work may without doubt 

 be secured by the continued zeal of its conductors, distin- 

 guished no less for perseverance than talent. 



37. Mr. Perkinses Stearri'Engine. — The great power of 

 Mr. Perkins's engine he has recently illustrated by some 

 singular experiments. He has constructed a small appara- 

 tus, which, when connected with the generator, has been 

 found to discharge ordinary musket-bullets at the rate of two 

 hundred and forty in the minute, and with such tremendous 

 force, that after passing through an inch deal, the ball, in 

 striking against an iron target, became flattened on one side 

 and squeezed out. — Edinb. Phil. Journ. Vol. X. 



58. Artijicial mahogany. — The following method of giving 

 any species of wood of a close grain, the appearance of ma- 

 hogany, in texture, density, and polish, is said to be prac- 

 tised in France with such success, that the best judges are 

 incapable of distinguishing between the imitation and maho- 

 gany. The surtace is first planed smooth, and the wood is 

 then rubbed with a solution of nitrous acid. One ounce 

 and a half of dragon's blood, dissolved in a pint of spirits of 

 wine, and one third of an ounce of carbonate of soda, are 

 then to be mixed together and filtered, and the mixture in 

 this thin state is to be laid on with a soft brush. This pro- 



